Fire Service expands to 22 stations, $9B spent to purchase equipment

A total of $9 billion has been invested over the years to enhance the operation of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) allowing them to reach citizens in distress faster than before.

These investments include the procurement of modern firefighting equipment such as water bowers, pickups and hydraulic platform to reach high rise building.

Twenty-two new fire stations were also constructed across the country and six more are currently being built in areas such as Charity, Wismar, Parika and the Soesdyke Highway.

“To date, the Guyana Fire Service is operating out of 22 fire stations.

“This generally is meant for us to reach in a timely manner to those persons who may be in distress,” Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham said during this week’s episode of ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’ programme.

Other investments include training of auxiliary firefighters and the construction of facilities to ensure that foregathers are comfortable.

Forty pickup tenders have also been deployed to provide support in hinterland areas, while auxiliary teams have been trained to help fight fires in remote communities.

“So yes, lots of things have changed and we are doing a whole lot different to ensure that our citizens are…comfortable,” Wickham said.

The Fire Chief emphasised that the Fire Service has placed greater focus on fire prevention and public safety, ensuring citizens are equipped with the knowledge to prevent emergencies.

“No two fires are the same. The Guyana Fire Service…we continue to learn,” he said.